Automatic alarm and emergency device in particular for inhaling and like apparatus



April 1, 1958 V R. DELEST 2,828,741

AUTOMATIC ALARM AND EMERGENCY DEVICE IN PARTICULAR Filed D60. 20, 1956 FOR INHALING AND LIKE APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Zen; De/esf I 6W 'M DELEST 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f s v e D 4 April 1, 195a AUTOMATIC ALARM AND EMERGENCY DEVICE IN PARTICULAR FOR INHALING AND LIKE APPARATUS Filed Dec. 20, 1956 AUTOMATIC ALARM AND EMERGENCY DEVICE IN PARTICULAR FOR INHALING ANDLIKE APPARATUS Ren Delest, Meudou, France, assignor to Bronzavia S. A., Courbevoie (Seine), France,.a French company Application December 20, 1956, Serial No. 629,553 Claims priority, application France January 6, 1956 10 Claims. (Cl.- 128-142) The present invention relates to inhaling and like ap- United States Patent paratus, for example, those of the continuous supply type and more particularly those regulating the supply of oxygen in accordance with requirements used in aviation. In the ensuing description reference will be made to'this last type of apparatus but it must be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

an oxygen circuit be automatically brought into action for reviving the user and/ or that other devices (forexamp le safety devices) be automatically brought into action.

The automatic alarm and emergency device of the present invention is intended to satisfy partially or wholly the above-mentioned requirements in that it is adapted to cause automatically, at the end of a pre-determined and regulatable period of time starting from the breakdown of the apparatus and/ or of the user:

(a) Actuation of signal means in the event of lack of oxygen in the supply circuit (possibly the bringing into action of another oxygen circuit).

(b) And/ or the actuation of signal means and the bringing into action of an emergency oxygen circuit in the event of the oxygen supplied by the supply circuit failing to reach the breathing circuit.

(c) And/ or the actuation of signal means and the automatic bringing into action of an emergency supply of oxygen in the event of-respiratory failure of the user and/or possibly the automatic bringing into action of other devices such as safety devices (for example, a device controlling an ejectable seat).

Before describing the device of the invention, it will be recalled that an oxygen regulator regulating the supply of oxygen in accordance with requirements generally comprises a chamber which is in communication with the breathing mask and is closed by a flexible diaphragm actuating a required oxygen supply valve which, by way of a main jet, delivers oxygen in said chamber for each breathing cycle causing the movements of said diaphragm.

The device of the invention, to be used with an apparatus of the aforementioned type, is characterised in that it comprises an auxiliary jet (independent of the main jet supplied by the required oxygen supply valve) which is connected to the chamber of the apparatus and which may be automatically put into communication with at least the oxygen supply from the normal source by way of an emergency valve controlled by control means responsive to the flow of oxygen through the required oxygen supply valve.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is characterised by the followingfeatures and'eombinations thereof: i

The control means responsive to the flow through the required oxygen supply valve comprise a second chamber which is filled with oxygen through throttle means (such as a jet which is preferably adjustable) and which discharges into the breathing circuit through a discharge valve opened by the flow throughthe required supply valve, the pressure increase in this second chamber being utilized for actuating the alarm means and/ or the emergency means supplying oxygen to the auxiliary jet and/ or other suitable means, such as safety means;

In this'way, the user receives oxygen even if, due to a breakdown, the required oxygen supply valve no'longer allows-through oxygen, or if the user stops breathing;

Said second chamber is advantageously provided with a flexible diaphragmsubject to the action of elastic means tending to oppose increase in the volume of this chamber, this diaphragm actuating alarm means (such as light or sound means) in the event of increase in the volume of the chamber due to the pressure; I I

By these means, the user is warned of a' breakdown in the normal distribution of the oxygen;

The auxiliary jet may also be automatically put into ice.

-3 communication with an auxiliary source of; oxygen throughan auxiliary valvecontrolled by control means responsive to the pressure prevailing in the oxygen supply pipe connected to the normal source;

This permits the user to be supplied with oxygen {even in the event of breakdown of the normal source oxygen;

" diaphragm tending to close said valve when the oxygen pressureis normal in the supply pipe;

The oxygen supply pipe is also in communication with :3 chamber closed by a flexible diaphragm which'is subject to the action of elastic means tending to oppose'iucrease in the volume of this chamber and which actuates the aforementioned alarm means when the volume of this chamber decreases as a result of an abnormal drop in pressure of the oxygen;

In this Way, the user is warned when normal supply of oxygen ceases; t

The two chambers are grouped together in a single unit and their diaphragmsare disposed opposite'each other and are subjected to the action of a common spring placed therebetween;

The arrangement of the diaphragms and the spring may be such that there is obtained a compensating effect manifested by a substantially constant period of operation despite pressure variations in the oxygen supply circuit;

The discharge'valve is subjected, on one hand, to the action of a spring tending to apply it on its seat and, on

' the other hand, to the action of a diaphragm tending to existence of a continuous flow through the required oxygen supply valve may be detected;

A regulating jet is interposed between the oxygen supply and the chamber of the control meansresponsive to the flow through the required supply valve, soas to permit regulating the period at the end of which these con:

means;

In one embodiment, the control means for opening the emergency valve is of the pneumatic type and comprises a chamber which communicates with-the chamber or the control means responsive to the dew through ,therequired oxygen supply valve and which is. connected to the emergency valve so as to open it under the effect of a pres sure increase, the normal closure of this ,valve being ensured byaspring;

A regulating jet is advantageously inserted in the communication between the two aforementioned chambers;

In a modification, the control meansfor opening the emergency valve is of the ,mechanical'type and comprises a lever which pivoted to the rodor stem of thevalve and is controlleddirectly. by the, diaphragm of the control meansresponsive. to thepflow through, the required oxygen supply valve. 1 j V I Further features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from theensuing description ofone embodiment of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings, to which .the invention is in noway limited:

Fig. 1- is a diagrammatic general view otthe various means and circuits of the apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view oi amodification of a part of the apparatus sh wn in Fig. l; V

, Fig. 3 is a sectionalview on an enlarged scale of a ,practical embodiment comprising the main elements of the device, this sectionbeing taken along line Ill-Ill of--Fig. 6; r

' Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig.6;

Fig. 5 is He and Fig. 6 is a sectional view 9 i In Fig. 1, A represents thechamber of the inhaling or breathing apparat us; this chamber being closed by 2 diaa sectional, view taken along line V-V of taken along line VT-VI oi phragm B and communicating through the pipe C with the breathing maslonot shown in the drawing. When the user "provided with his mask breathes normally, the diaphragm B moves downwardly and upwardly in rhythm with the respiration. v

The chamber A contains the conventional required oxygen supply valve 1 supplying the required amount of oxygen from the supply pipe 2, connected to the main source of oxygen and to this valve through a pipe 3.

The valve 1 is urged to its closed position by a spring 4 and is raised off its seat by the lever 5 controlled by the diaphragm B. The valve discharges into an auxiliary chamber 6 which communicates with the chamber A by way of the main jet 7 in such manner that there phragm' 13 is moved by the spring 12 which causes the auxiliary valve 10 to open and permits an emergency supply of oxygen arriving through the pipe 11 to enter the pipe 9 and pass through the auxiliary jet 8 and thus supply the chamber A. Simultaneously, the diaphragm 18 is depressed by the action of the spring 19 and closes the contactor 20. The user and possibly other members of the crew, (even:the personnel on the ground) are thus warned of the stoppage of normal oxygen supply.

The supply pipe 2 also communicates, by way of a pipe. 21 in whichis inserted a regulating jet 22, with a chamber 23 closed bya flexible diaphragm 24 subjected to the action of the spring 19 which tends to decrease the volume of thischatnber. The latter also commumcates with the chamber A by way of a pipe 25 in which is inserted a discharge valve'26.

The diaphragm 24 carries the moving contact 27a of a contactor 27 which is shunt connected to the contactor20. g

' The arrangement of the diaphragm 18 and 24 and the spring 19 may be such as to obtain a compensation which is manifested by asubstantially constant period of time at the end 05 which the alarm and emergency devices enter into action, irrespective of possible variations in. the

oxygen pressure prevailinginthe pipe 2.

The dischargevalve 26 tends to be closed by a spring 28 and its opening is controlled by a diaphragm 29 which closes a-chamber 30 which communicates by way of a pipe 31 with the auxiliary chamber 6 on the downstream side of the main jet 7 relative to the flow of oxygen through this jet. 7

The chamber 23 communicates, by way of the pipe 32 in which is inserted a regulating jet 33, with a chamber 34 closed by, a flexible diaphragm 35 controlling the opening of an emergency valve 36 ordinarily closed by a spring 37. This emergency valve is interposed in a pipe v38 connected'tothe two pipes 9 and 15.

is a slight excess of pressure in the auxiliary chamber I "when, under the effect of the users inhaling (corresponding to downward movement oi the diaphragm B) the valve lsupplies oxygen.

Also communicating with the chamber A is an auxiliary jet 8 connected by a pipe 9'to an auxiliary valve 10 .which communicates with a pipe 11 connected to an auxiliary source of oxygen. This auxiliary valve, which biased to its open positionbya spring 12, is ordinarily held closed by a flexible diaphragm 13 which closes a chamber 14 communicating with the supply pipe 2 by way of a pipe 15. v

The pipe 15 also communicates, by way of a pipe 16, with a chamber 17 closed by a diaphragm 18 subjected to the action of a spring l9 which tends to decrease the volume of this chamber. The moving part of the dia- .,phragm carries the moving contact20a of a contactor 20 which controls the alarm means circuit (sound and/ or ,light means, for example),

When the oxygen is supplied normally and the breathing rhythm is normal, for each inhalation there prevails in the auxiliary chamber, 6 a slight excess of pressure which is transmitted to the chamber 30, the diaphragm 29 of which raises the valve 26 in opposition to the action of the spring 28. As the valve 26 is open, the fraction of oxygen. which entersregularly in the control chamber 23 passes out through 2S26 into the chamber A.

L In this way, the pressure does not increase above a pre determined value-in the chamber 23 and the contactor 21 remains open.; The insufficient pressure on the downstream side of the jet 22 relative to the flow of oxygen has for result that there is no loger sufiicient pressure in the cont rol chamber 34 of the emergency valve 36, glhichis therefore held closed by the action of the spring This corresponds tonormal operation of the apparatus. If, on the other hand, assuming that the oxygen arrives through the pipe 2, a breakdown occurs in the apparatus, such as for example blockage of the pipe 3 or jamming of the valve 1 in its closed position, there is no longer excess pressure in the auxiliary chamber 6. There is therefore no longer sufiicient pressure in the chamber 30 of the discharge valve 26 to open this valve. The closure of the latter has for result that'at the end of a certain period oftime (which depends on the setting of the jet 22), the pressure rises in the-chamber 23, the diaphragm of which thus exerts pressure against the spring 19 and closesthe contactor 27 of the alarm circuit.

Simultaneously, thisjincrease'in pressure is felt in the chamber. 34 pt the emergency valve 36 which. is thus opened .Iby thefdi aphragm 35. The oxygen therefore reaches the auxiliary jet 8 through the pipes 15, 38, 9.

Thus, if for any reason ;the' oxygen does not arrive,

Thesame thing occurs (the actuation of the alarm means; and the arrival of;;oxygen in the auxiliary jet 8) when the user collapses and his breathingcycle becomes :abnormal or stops: :At moment there is no'pressure in the auxiliary chamber 6 and this causes arrival of oxygen through the emergency valve.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 6, in which the same reference characters are used for designating corresponding elements diagrammatically shown in Fig. l, the regulating jet 22 is fed not from the pipe 21 but through a branch pipe 21:: branching oi? the pipe 15.

In the modification shown in Fig. 2, the emergency valve 36 is controlled, not pneumatically as in the embodiment shown in Fig. l, but mechanically by means of a simple lever 35a actuated directly by the diaphragm 24 of the chamber 23.

In a modification of the discharge valve, the latter may be arranged to close at the end of its opening travel (for example by means of control means comprising a lever and a cam).

This arrangement permits detecting the breakdown constituted by a continuous flow of oxygen into the auxiliary chamber 6.

The device just described and shown in the accompanying drawings may of course be modified in many ways.

Thus, the sound or light alarm means may be replaced or supplemented by any other suitable means, for example safety devices (such as actuating devices for ejectable seats) controlled by electric, mechanical, pneumatic, electronic or radio means.

The circuits, their regulating means, the control chambers with their diaphragms, the valves, etc. may be modified.

The pressure drop produced in the auxiliary chamber, disposed on the downstream side of the required oxygen supply valve relative to the flow of oxygen through the latter, may be obtained by means other than those described.

The chambers controlling the valves need not be connected to the latter and their diaphragms could be connected to the valves, for example by levers or electrical means.

The blinker device generally used in regulators regulating the supply of oxygen in accordance with requirements, may constitute the means detecting the flow through the required oxygen supply valve which are formed by the chamber the filling of which is controlled by the throttling means and the discharge of which is effected through the breathing circuit.

All these modifications and changes may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention, which also covers an apparatus, such as an inhaling apparatus, equipped with the automatic alarm and emergency device described above.

What I claim is:

1. In an inhaling apparatus comprising: a first cham ber adapted to be connected to a breathing mask; a flexible diaphragm forming a part of the wall defining the chamber; a main jet communicating with the chamber; a main supply pipe adapted to be connected to a main source of oxygen; a required oxygen supply valve interposed between the main supply pipe and the main jet and provided with control means operatively connected to the diaphragm, whereby the main jet discharges oxygen into the chamber in each respiratory cycle causing deformation of the diaphragm; the provision of an auxiliary jet which is connected to the chamber; an emergency valve capable of connecting the main supply pipe to the auxiliary jet; and emergency control means for actuating the emergency valve and constructed and arranged to be responsive to the flow of oxygen through the required oxygen supply valve so as to open the emergency valve when oxygen no longer passes through the required oxygen supply valve.

2. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency control means comprise: a rod connected to the emergency valve; 21 second chamber closed by a second flexible diaphragm connected to the rod; 3. third chamber closed by a third flexible diaphragm and communicating with the second chamber; a pipe including throttling means disposed between the third chamber and the main supply pipe; elastic means tending to urge the third diaphragm into the third chamber; alarm means actuatable by the third diaphragm when the pressure increases in the third chamber; and a discharge valve for putting the third chamber into communication with the first chamber, the discharge valve being adapted to be opened under the effect of flow through the required oxygen supply valve.

3. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the discharge valve is subjected to the action of control means comprising: a sixth chamber closed by a sixth diaphragm operatively connected to the discharge valve and tending to close the latter when the sixth chamber is under pressure; a spring tending to open the discharge valve; a pressure relieving chamber disposed between the required oxygen supply valve and the main jet; and a pipe connecting the pressure relieving chamber to the sixth chamber.

4. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the-throttling means comprise an adjustable jet which permits regulating the lapse of time at the end of which the control means responsive to flow through the required oxygen supply valve acts on the emergency valve.

5. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a regulating jet interposed between the second and third chamber.

6. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary supply pipe connectable to an auxiliary source of oxygen; an auxiliary valve for connecting the auxiliary supply pipe to the auxiliary jet; and auxiliary control means for actuating the auxiliary valve and responsive to the pressure in the main supply pipe for opening the auxiliary valve when the pressure in the main supply pipe drops below a pre-determined value.

7. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the auxiliary control means comprise: a spring tending to close the auxiliary valve; a fourth chamber communicating with the main supply pipe; and a fourth flexible diaphragm for closing the fourth chamber and operatively connected to the auxiliary valve so as to permit the latter to open when the pressure in the main supply pipe drops below a pre-determined value.

8. Inhaling apparatus as claimed 6, further comprising: a fifth chamber communicating with the main supply pipe; a fifth diaphragm closing the fifth chamber, the fifth diaphragm being subjected to a crushing action from elastic means co-operating with the third diaphragm; and alarm means operatively connected to the fifth diaphragm and operating when the pressure in the fifth chamber drops below a pre-determined value.

9. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising pressure responsive means connected to the main supply pipe; and alarm means connected to the pressure responsive means so a to be actuated by the latter.

10. Inhaling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency control means comprise: a rod connected to the emergency valve; a pivotable mounted lever having two ends one of which is pivoted to said rod; a seventh chamber closed by a seventh diaphragm against which the other of said ends of the lever bears; a pipe including throttling means connecting the seventh chamber to the main supply pipe; and a discharge valve for connecting the seventh chamber to the first chamber, said discharge valve being adapted to be opened under the effect of flow through the required oxygen supply valve.

No references cited. 

